Greek Island Getaways

Santorini

What you likely know: Santorini is one of the most breathtaking and romantic islands in the world. What you probably don't: It's actually a group of islands in the southernmost part of the Cyclades, the largest of which is the crescent-shaped Thira. When you step into the mythical village of Oia, on Thira's northernmost tip, with its whitewashed cubist buildings atop multicolored cliffs it's no surprise Cousteau once searched for the lost city of Atlantis here. Relax in a chaise lounge on the colorful sands of Santorini's famous Red Beach or taste assyrtiko, a dry white wine on a winery tour of the island, both byproducts of having endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history.9601280

What you likely know: Santorini is one of the most breathtaking and romantic islands in the world. What you probably don't: It's actually a group of islands in the southernmost part of the Cyclades, the largest of which is the crescent-shaped Thira. When you step into the mythical village of Oia, on Thira's northernmost tip, with its whitewashed cubist buildings atop multicolored cliffs it's no surprise Cousteau once searched for the lost city of Atlantis here. Relax in a chaise lounge on the colorful sands of Santorini's famous Red Beach or taste assyrtiko, a dry white wine on a winery tour of the island, both byproducts of having endured one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history.

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Mykonos

Mykonos

The most popular island in Greece, Mykonos has all the trappings you'd expect that attract the Jet Set: glamorous shops open until midnight, trendy galleries, rollicking nightlife and plethora of water sports off Psarou beach. What's not lost, however, are winding, white-marble streets, the quaint windmills of Kato Myli, hidden, blue-domed churches and charming, small museums. The south shore boasts the best beaches whether you're looking to spend time with family (try Ornos), relax (find a quiet cove at Agrari) or party (see what all the fuss is about on the hedonistic Paradise beach). Expect crowds and high prices during the high season, but the quintessential town of Hora is still worth a visit.9601280

The most popular island in Greece, Mykonos has all the trappings you'd expect that attract the Jet Set: glamorous shops open until midnight, trendy galleries, rollicking nightlife and plethora of water sports off Psarou beach. What's not lost, however, are winding, white-marble streets, the quaint windmills of Kato Myli, hidden, blue-domed churches and charming, small museums. The south shore boasts the best beaches whether you're looking to spend time with family (try Ornos), relax (find a quiet cove at Agrari) or party (see what all the fuss is about on the hedonistic Paradise beach). Expect crowds and high prices during the high season, but the quintessential town of Hora is still worth a visit.

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Paros

Paros

What Paros lacks in large crowds, it makes up for in traditional Cycladen architecture and unrivaled natural beauty. In past lives it was best known for its marble (in which the Venus de Milo and Napoleon's tomb were carved) and central location in the Aegean Sea (it's a major ferry hub for nearby Naxos, Santorini and Mykonos). The charming capital of Parikia is home to the 6th century Panayia Ekatontapyliani, which roughly translates to the "church with one hundred doors." To the north, the old port of Naoussa manages to be equal parts quaint fishing town and nightlife hub. Beautiful Golden and New Golden Beaches in the south east are ideal for sunbathing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. 9601280

What Paros lacks in large crowds, it makes up for in traditional Cycladen architecture and unrivaled natural beauty. In past lives it was best known for its marble (in which the Venus de Milo and Napoleon's tomb were carved) and central location in the Aegean Sea (it's a major ferry hub for nearby Naxos, Santorini and Mykonos). The charming capital of Parikia is home to the 6th century Panayia Ekatontapyliani, which roughly translates to the "church with one hundred doors." To the north, the old port of Naoussa manages to be equal parts quaint fishing town and nightlife hub. Beautiful Golden and New Golden Beaches in the south east are ideal for sunbathing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

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Hydra

Hydra

Hydra's picturesque harbor in the Saronic gulf is full of open-air cafes, artful shops and chic boutiques -- where the owners are as charming as their wares. There are no cars or scooters on the island and everything is generally moved by donkeys up the steep mountain slope. Climb the tiny, marble lanes for views of the beautifully-preserved architecture or sunbathe on the large flat rocks and watch gutsy tourists attempt to jump off cliff tops. Once a popular hideout for celebrities such as the Rolling Stones and the Onassis family -- the nightlife won't disappoint either. Watch the sun set over cocktails or a white-tablecloth dinner at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant, just 2 minutes around the corner from the main port. It's second only to Santorini in its beauty.9601280

Hydra's picturesque harbor in the Saronic gulf is full of open-air cafes, artful shops and chic boutiques -- where the owners are as charming as their wares. There are no cars or scooters on the island and everything is generally moved by donkeys up the steep mountain slope. Climb the tiny, marble lanes for views of the beautifully-preserved architecture or sunbathe on the large flat rocks and watch gutsy tourists attempt to jump off cliff tops. Once a popular hideout for celebrities such as the Rolling Stones and the Onassis family -- the nightlife won't disappoint either. Watch the sun set over cocktails or a white-tablecloth dinner at the aptly named Sunset Restaurant, just 2 minutes around the corner from the main port. It's second only to Santorini in its beauty.

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Corfu

Corfu

With stately cypresses, shimmering olive groves and rugged mountains you'll find Homer's "beautiful and rich land" off the west coast of Greece. While Corfu's stunning coastline has attracted areas of dense tourism, it remains one of the greenest of the Greek Islands. Much like the other Ionian islands, the beautifully preserved Old Quarter -- A UNESCO world heritage site -- has Venetian influences including a 15th-century fortress.9601280

With stately cypresses, shimmering olive groves and rugged mountains you'll find Homer's "beautiful and rich land" off the west coast of Greece. While Corfu's stunning coastline has attracted areas of dense tourism, it remains one of the greenest of the Greek Islands. Much like the other Ionian islands, the beautifully preserved Old Quarter -- A UNESCO world heritage site -- has Venetian influences including a 15th-century fortress.

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Ios

Ios

Beware of "the season" on Ios. Every July and August the island becomes a youthful party destination, with beach parties stretching from midday into the wee hours in Mylopotas, while shoulder season (from mid-April to mid-June) draws older travelers and families looking for a quieter pace.9601280

Beware of "the season" on Ios. Every July and August the island becomes a youthful party destination, with beach parties stretching from midday into the wee hours in Mylopotas, while shoulder season (from mid-April to mid-June) draws older travelers and families looking for a quieter pace.